lesbian-owned Archives

Sometimes you need to go to a lesbian to get something done right, and that includes getting an amazing gay haircut. If you're constantly in search of a stylist who can understand what you're looking for (post-break-up new 'do, a butcher cut to show off your masculine side, or, perhaps, a chic style for a new season), there are definitely a few queer women in the city who are a cut above the rest.

Not long after I hailed Lakeview's Urban Cafe as a great lesbian-owned eatery to try for brunch sometime comes some sad news: The spot is closing its doors.

I admit, I've never been big into baseball or riding the red line on game day, but now I have good reason to support one of the city's home teams: A lesbian is part owner.

Just a few weeks ago, I made a list of the lesbian bars you can visit any night of the week and be among other gay women. One of those bars, perhaps the best known, might not be around for much longer.

Star Gaze (5419 N. Clark St.) has been a part of Andersonville since 1998, when owners Mamie Lake and Dustin Fermin opened the bar and became a supporter of the LGBT community by hosting fundraisers and other events in their space. In 2006, the two were inducted into the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame.

For a new regular feature on The L-Blog, I'm going to be giving the same questionnaire to different Chicago lesbians who you will know from their businesses, parties, events, organizations or involvement in the community. If you have any suggestions for someone who you'd like to hear from, let me know!

First up: Christin Baker of Tello Films

One of my absolute favorite places for cocktails in the city just also happens to be lesbian-owned. Joie De Vine (1744 W. Balmoral St.) isn't just for winos (I'm more of a champagne lover myself), it's for anyone who is into an intimate and slightly glam setting for drinks and conversation.

And while I always have a good time at Joie De Vine, Sunday nights through the summer might be an even better bet for burlesque lovers. From 7 until 10 p.m., there will be free performances from Girlie-Q as part of Salon deVine.

Whether you sit on the patio or inside, you'll be able to enjoy the view of performers like Ms. Bea Haven, Salome Slaughter, Cruel Valentine, Jezzie Belle and Honey La Fleur. Check them out every Sunday through August 30. It's certain to be a class act every time.

 

Now that I'm back from the amazing insanity that was BlogHer Conference at the Sheraton Hotel this past weekend, I'm going to take the opportunity to let you in on an awesome Chicago-based site for anyone planning a wedding, commitment ceremony or all-out love party of any kind. QueerlyWed.com is a new launch from Chicagoan Stacy Jill Jacobs and hopes to be the destination for LGBT couples looking for gay-friendly everything when it comes to planning the big day.

QW is just beginning to get rolling but Stacy assures me that the site is going to have way more than listings. It will include interviews with couples who have been there, done that and have advice, video content and lots of other ways to connect with other lesbians who are in the same shoes (whether they be heels, flats or boots).

And if you have your own flower shop, photography studio or gay services of any kind, get at Stacy Jill and co. so they're in the know.

The Urban Cafe (1467 W. Irving Park Rd.) might just be your new favorite place to eat, no matter what your favorite meal is. The northside lesbian-owned and operated restaurant is dream for health nuts and vegetarians, with sides like lime jimcama slaw and sweet potato fries and main dishes like tofu stir fry.

If you're big into brunch like I am, you'll really like what they have to offer: Black bean corn cakes, bagel sandwiches, benedicts, omlettes, french toast -- you'll be wondering why you haven't been sooner.

Chef Jenny Urban provides a warm, bright atmosphere that's even kid friendly for the breeding-inclined.

The lesbian-owned sex shop Early 2 Bed has just relaunched their website ("for your sexy self" -- I love it!) and while it might not be safe for work, it's definitely worth checking out once you're home. The new site is very user-friendly, with pictures and prices of popular items and the latest news from the blog posted on the right hand side of the page.

It's all about the usability, am I right?

But my favorite part of the store's online home has to be E2BTV, where owner Searah Deysach dishes out sex tips on everything from picking out your first vibrator to maintenance to easy toys to pack for vacation.

Lesbian owned sexy toy shop Tulip and the Center on Halsted are hosting their weekly Women on Wednesday party at Mary's Attic (5400 N. Clark St.) tonight in Andersonville, with the theme "Sex 101 & the G-Spot."

For $10, you can join in two hours of sex education, and I don't mean fifth grade style. Tulip's site says you'll learn about "the more demure to the more adventurous" and detail dildos, vibrators, harnesses, lube, books, porn and the almighty G-spot.

And since Tulip has a location right across the street (and has great late hours, open until 10 p.m.) you can continue your education by visiting the store and making a purchase to fully understand what you've learned later tonight.

My friend Laura just clued me in to a Wriggleyville pet store owned by lesbian couple Dori and Leslie called 4 Legs (3909 N. Clark St.). The boutique specializes in natural and organic pet products from brands like The Honest Kitchen and Nature's Variety. They're also big on animal adoption, and have several events and resources related to giving a loving pup or cat a home (although I am sure they do discriminate against other 4-legged pets).

Lesbians: We love animals. That's one stereotype I'll never try to shake.

Another cool anecdote about 4 Pets: They have a YouTube channel with videos like this one, where chihuahua, Dottie, shows she knows her way to 4Legs. She seems pretty psyched on it.

One of my favorite magnets that has ever graced my fridge is from the Andersonville boutique Hip Fit (1513 W Foster Ave.) It's small, simple and blue with the text, "Stuff for all tops and bottoms."

I will pause for you to appreciate this gay humor, and then rejoice when I tell you that the "unisex apparel" store has re-opened for business.

Lesbian owner Jennifer Rozenberg closed the specialty clothing store down after items weren't selling as much or as quickly as she'd hoped. But when she was holding an out of business sale, the amount of people coming in and money being made was just enough to give her encouragement to reopen, but with a new business model.

Jennifer told Time Out Chicago that the sudden profits she started making from discounted and last season items gave her the idea to turn Hip Fit into a different kind of store, with the same hot T-shirt and jeans designers like LTB and Heavy Rotation, but with lower prices. After closing in February, she just re-opened the store in early May with a huge "Grand re-opening" sign, a new paint job and some organizational shelves.

And if you're more of an Internet shopper, check out Hip Fit's online store, which includes some great items like this "Punk Cameos Hoodie."

If you're into Southern cooking or cheap eats, you will not want to pass up a trip to Feed (2803 W. Chicago Ave.) The lesbian-owned West Side joint is easily one of the best places for chicken, both the food and decor.

Owners Donna Knezek (Leo's Lunchroom) and Liz Sharp take you out of the city and straight into a Dorothy Allison novel with their poultry-adorned walls and tables. Order your chicken (white, dark and sizes of 1/4, 1/2 or the whole shebang) and any of their several sides (mac and cheese, corn pudding, succotash, for example) and then put in a quarter to get a plastic egg for novelty's sake (does it really matter what's inside?).

Although I would not suggest bringing a vegetarian date along, the meals are generally $10 or under, so anyone who likes great food at an amazing price will appreciate the down home qualities of Feed.

Knezek and Sharp also serve breakfast and brunch, with several menu options other than chicken, so check out their website before heading over (it is kind of a trek if you don't live in Humboldt Park). 

As if I needed any other reason to hype this place, I feel the need to share that there's also a free jukebox. Just sayin'. Who doesn't like music?